U.S. patent application number 15/187024 was filed with the patent office on 2016-10-20 for aldehyde control in personal care products.
This patent application is currently assigned to Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.. Invention is credited to JungHyun Choi, SiOn Choi, John Gavin MacDonald, HyoungKun Park, InYoung Sa, Matthew John Valaskey.
Application Number | 20160303274 15/187024 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51388863 |
Filed Date | 2016-10-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160303274 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sa; InYoung ; et
al. |
October 20, 2016 |
Aldehyde Control in Personal Care Products
Abstract
An odor control layer for personal care products has a
composition that has a PEG or PEG copolymer composition applied
thereto. The layer can be placed in a personal care product, such
as a diaper, training pant, absorbent under pant, adult
incontinence product, or feminine hygiene product. Additional odor
control layers may include silver nanoparticles and activated
carbon compositions. In an alternative form, a single odor control
layer includes the PEG composition and the activated carbon and/or
silver nanoparticle compositions. A cleansing composition with PEG
and possibly active carbon and silver nanoparticles may be combined
with the personal care product to form a kit.
Inventors: |
Sa; InYoung; (GyeongGi-Do,
KR) ; Choi; SiOn; (GyeongGi-Do, KR) ;
Valaskey; Matthew John; (Neenah, WI) ; Park;
HyoungKun; (GyeongGi-Do, KR) ; Choi; JungHyun;
(GyeongGi-Do, KR) ; MacDonald; John Gavin;
(Decatur, GA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. |
Neenah |
WI |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Kimberly-Clark Worldwide,
Inc.
Neenah
WI
|
Family ID: |
51388863 |
Appl. No.: |
15/187024 |
Filed: |
June 20, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13781238 |
Feb 28, 2013 |
9393164 |
|
|
15187024 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 2013/8408 20130101;
A61L 15/26 20130101; A61L 15/20 20130101; A61L 15/18 20130101; A61L
2300/104 20130101; A61F 13/8405 20130101; A61F 13/5519 20130101;
A61L 2300/108 20130101; A61L 15/46 20130101; A61F 2013/15146
20130101; A61L 2300/20 20130101; A61L 2400/12 20130101; A61L 15/26
20130101; C08L 71/02 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61L 15/46 20060101
A61L015/46; A61L 15/18 20060101 A61L015/18; A61L 15/20 20060101
A61L015/20; A61F 13/84 20060101 A61F013/84; A61L 15/26 20060101
A61L015/26 |
Claims
1.-15. (canceled)
16. A personal care product comprising a first aldehyde odor
control layer that comprises an odor control composition comprising
a polyethylene glycol surfactant selected from the group consisting
of laureth-4, polysorbate 20, myreth-3 myristate, octoxynol-9,
polyethylene glycol-7 glyceryl cocoate, and any combination
thereof; wherein the personal care product includes a liner and an
absorbent core; wherein the first aldehyde odor control layer is
located between the liner and the absorbent core; and wherein the
polyethylene glycol surfactant comprises 25% to 40% of the odor
control composition.
17. The personal care product of claim 16 wherein the polyethylene
glycol surfactant has a number of polymer units less than or equal
to 20.
18. The composition of claim 16 wherein the polyethylene glycol
surfactant has a number of polymer units less than or equal to
10.
19. The personal care product of claim 16 wherein the polyethylene
glycol surfactant has a number of polymer units less than or equal
to 5.
20. The personal care product of claim 16 wherein the odor control
composition comprises 60% to 90% water.
21. The personal care product of claim 16 wherein the odor control
composition further comprises at least one of a thickener, a
preservative, and a fragrance.
22. The personal care product of claim 16 wherein the odor control
composition is applied to the first aldehyde odor control layer at
an add-on level of 0.5% to 50%.
23. The personal care product of claim 16 wherein the odor control
composition is applied to the first aldehyde odor control layer at
an add-on level of 1.0% to 40%.
24. The personal care product of claim 16 wherein the odor control
composition is applied to a surface of a substrate, and the odor
control composition continuously covers the surface of the
substrate.
25. The personal care product of claim 16 wherein the personal care
product is in a form selected from the group consisting of diapers,
training pants, absorbent underpants, adult incontinence products,
and feminine hygiene products.
26. A personal care product comprising a first aldehyde odor
control layer that comprises an odor control composition comprising
a polyethylene glycol surfactant selected from the group consisting
of laureth-4, polysorbate 20, myreth-3 myristate, octoxynol-9,
polyethylene glycol-7 glyceryl cocoate, and any combination
thereof; wherein the personal care product includes a liner and an
absorbent core; wherein the first aldehyde odor control layer is
located between the liner and the absorbent core; and wherein the
odor control composition is applied to a surface of a substrate,
and the odor control composition continuously covers the surface of
the substrate.
27. The personal care product of claim 26 wherein the polyethylene
glycol surfactant has a number of polymer units less than or equal
to 20.
28. The composition of claim 26 wherein the polyethylene glycol
surfactant has a number of polymer units less than or equal to
10.
29. The personal care product of claim 26 wherein the polyethylene
glycol surfactant has a number of polymer units less than or equal
to 5.
30. The personal care product of claim 26 wherein the odor control
composition comprises 60% to 90% water.
31. The personal care product of claim 26 wherein the odor control
composition further comprises at least one of a thickener, a
preservative, and a fragrance.
32. The personal care product of claim 26 wherein the odor control
composition is applied to the first aldehyde odor control layer at
an add-on level of 0.5% to 50%.
33. The personal care product of claim 26 wherein the odor control
composition is applied to the first aldehyde odor control layer at
an add-on level of 1.0% to 40%.
34. The personal care product of claim 26 wherein the wherein the
polyethylene glycol surfactant comprises 25% to 40% of the odor
control composition.
35. The personal care product of claim 26 wherein the personal care
product is in a form selected from the group consisting of diapers,
training pants, absorbent underpants, adult incontinence products,
and feminine hygiene products.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of and claims priority to
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/781,238 filed on Feb. 28, 2013,
the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference for all
purposes.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present disclosure concerns the alleviation and control
of odors in personal care products, in particular, odors associated
with aldehydes.
[0003] Disposable personal care products perform a needed function
in today's busy society, freeing caregivers and users from the
chore of washing reusable products and allowing for the quick and
easy disposal of body wastes. As leakage issues have been reduced
because of improved designs, the control of odors has become more
important to the consumer. This is a particular concern to users of
incontinence products.
[0004] Odor is often used by consumers as a signal that a personal
care product should be changed. The detection of the odor depends,
however, on the acuity of the sense of smell of the consumer, an
acuity that often declines with age. Relying on the odor of the
product also means that the odor must become offensive before the
product is changed, an unacceptable signal.
[0005] Many technologies have been evaluated in an attempt to
reduce the odors that emanate from these products during use. For
example, an activated carbon ink printed liner for incontinence
pads was recently introduced. Many urine odor ranking panel (ORP)
studies have shown improvements in odor for the carbon-treated
liner. However, complete elimination of odor has not been achieved
with activated carbon except at levels that are not commercially
viable for reasons of cost and/or migration. It is important that
anything added to a personal care product to reduce odor should
remain in place and not migrate through the product.
[0006] There remains a need for a treatment for absorbent articles
with improved odor control.
SUMMARY
[0007] In one aspect of the disclosure is a composition for the
reduction of aldehydes that includes a PEG or PEG copolymer,
wherein the PEG or PEG copolymer has an n<=20.
[0008] In another aspect is a personal care product having a first
aldehyde odor control layer with a PEG or a PEG copolymer
composition applied thereto, wherein the PEG or PEG copolymer has
an n<=20. The personal care product includes a liner and an
absorbent core. The first aldehyde odor control layer is located
between the liner and the absorbent core.
[0009] In yet another aspect is a kit. The kit includes a personal
care product having a liquid-permeable bodyside liner; a
liquid-impermeable outer cover affixed to the bodyside liner; an
absorbent core disposed between the bodyside liner and the outer
cover; and an aldehyde odor control layer including PEG or a PEG
copolymer having an n<=20. The personal care product is a
diaper, training pant, absorbent underpants, adult incontinence
product, or feminine hygiene product. Included in the kit is a
cleaning composition including PEG or a PEG copolymer having an
n<=20 and water. The cleaning composition is contained in a
waterproof package.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The foregoing and other features and aspects of the present
disclosure and the manner of attaining them will become more
apparent, and the disclosure itself will be better understood by
reference to the following description, appended claims and
accompanying drawings, where:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a drawing of a feminine hygiene product.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a drawing of an adult incontinence product.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a drawing of a cross-section of an adult
incontinence product.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a drawing of an absorbent underpant.
[0015] FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of an example of a
substrate including the odor elimination feature described
herein.
[0016] FIG. 6 is a chart illustrating the results of odor testing
with different odor eliminating substances.
[0017] FIG. 7A-C are charts illustrating the results of odor
testing with different odor eliminating substances.
[0018] FIG. 8 is one example of a kit according to the present
disclosure.
[0019] FIG. 9 is a schematic drawing of a layered structure having
separate odor eliminating compositions disposed on each layer.
[0020] FIG. 10 is an embodiment of a substrate having different
odor eliminating compositions applied thereto in an exemplary
pattern.
[0021] Repeat use of reference characters in the present
specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or
analogous features or elements of the present disclosure. The
drawings are representational and are not necessarily drawn to
scale. Certain proportions thereof might be exaggerated, while
others might be minimized.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Definitions
[0022] "Nonwoven" and "nonwoven web" refer to materials and webs of
material that are formed without the aid of a textile weaving or
knitting process. For example, nonwoven materials, fabrics or webs
have been formed from many processes such as, for example,
meltblowing processes, spunbonding processes, air laying processes,
coform processes, and bonded carded web processes.
[0023] "Coform" refers to a blend of meltblown fibers and absorbent
fibers such as cellulosic fibers that can be formed by air forming
a meltblown polymer material while simultaneously blowing
air-suspended fibers into the stream of meltblown fibers. The
meltblown fibers and absorbent fibers are collected on a forming
surface, such as provided by a belt. Two U.S. patents describing
coform materials are U.S. Pat. No. 5,100,324 to Anderson et al. and
U.S. Pat. No. 5,350,624 to Georger et al., both of which are
incorporated in their entirety in a manner consistent herewith.
[0024] "Meltblown" refers to fibers formed by extruding a molten
thermoplastic material through a plurality of fine, usually
circular, die capillaries as molten threads or filaments into
converging high velocity gas (e.g., air) streams, generally heated,
which attenuate the filaments of molten thermoplastic material to
reduce their diameters. Thereafter, the meltblown fibers are
carried by the high velocity gas stream and are deposited on a
collecting surface or support to form a web of randomly dispersed
meltblown fibers. Such a process is disclosed, for example, in U.S.
Pat. No. 3,849,241 to Butin et al. which is incorporated in their
entirety in a manner consistent herewith.
[0025] "Spunbonded fibers" refers to small diameter fibers which
are formed by extruding molten thermoplastic material as filaments
from a plurality of fine, usually circular capillaries of a
spinneret with the diameter of the extruded filaments then being
rapidly reduced to fibers as by, for example, in U.S. Pat. No.
4,340,563 to Appel et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 3,692,618 to Dorschner et
al.; U.S. Pat. No. 3,802,817 to Matsuki et al.; U.S. Pat. Nos.
3,338,992 and 3,341,394 to Kinney; U.S. Pat. No. 3,502,763 to
Hartman; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,542,615 to Dobo et al., the contents
of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety in
a manner consistent herewith.
[0026] It is to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art
that the present discussion is a description of exemplary aspects
of the present disclosure only, and is not intended as limiting the
broader aspects of the present disclosure.
[0027] Aldehydes are the major malodor note associated with urine
odor, after fresh void and a period thereafter. Thus, the control
of aldehydes in personal care products is of particular interest to
adults like those who wear incontinence products and the like, and
to the care-givers who look after them. The desire to avoid
embarrassment due to unpleasant urine odors is important to adult
consumers of these products and the products described in the
present disclosure help greatly in this regard.
[0028] One embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to a
urine odor control composition that contains polyethylene glycol
("PEG") and/or polyethylene glycol copolymers (collectively
referred to as "PEG components"). Desirably, the PEG components
have a number of polymer units less than or equal to 20, n<=20.
The composition is applied to select components of personal care
absorbent articles.
[0029] Another embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to
a urine odor control composition that contains activated carbon. It
is intended that activated carbon be used in conjunction with PEG
components as described herein.
[0030] Yet another embodiment of the present disclosure is directed
to a urine odor control composition that contains silver
nanoparticles. It is intended that silver nanoparticles be used in
conjunction with the activated carbon and PEG components as
described herein.
Compositions for Elimination of Aldehyde Odors
PEG Composition
[0031] In one aspect of the disclosure, a "PEG composition"
includes the following ingredients: water, a PEG surfactant, a
thickener, a preservative, and an optional fragrance.
[0032] The composition is about 60 to about 90%, or about 70% to
about 90%, or about 80 to about 90% water. The water primarily
serves as a carrier for the active ingredient, the PEG surfactant
or other ingredients such as activated carbon and silver
nanoparticles. Desirably, the water is distilled, though tap water
may suffice.
[0033] The composition contains about 10 to about 40% PEG
surfactant. Suitable PEG surfactants include a PEG or PEG copolymer
that has a number of polymer units of less than or equal to 20
(n<=20), or less than or equal to 10 (n<=10), or less than or
equal to 5 (n<=5). Suitable PEG or PEG copolymers having an
n<=20 include: laureth-4, polysorbate 20, myreth-3 myristate,
octoxynol-9, PEG-7 glyceryl cocoate, or combinations thereof.
[0034] The composition may contain about 0.5 to 10% thickener. The
purpose of the thickener is to make it easier to apply to a
substrate using printing methods. Should the substrate be dipped or
sprayed with the composition, the thickener may not be necessary.
Suitable thickeners include: Xanthan gum, Carbomer, Acrylates
Crosspolymer, and PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl tetrastearate.
[0035] The composition may contain about 0.2 to 1.5% of a
preservative. The purpose of the preservative is to keep the
composition from spoiling before it is applied to a substrate.
Suitable preservatives include: Methyl Paraben, Phenoxy Ethanol,
Sodium Benzoate, Methylisothiazolinone, and 1,2 Hexanediol,
Caprylyl Glycol.
Activated Carbon (AC) Composition
[0036] The AC composition is an ink formulation that basically
includes activated carbon and a binder.
[0037] The unique nature of the activated carbon preferably used
herein results from the small size of the particles. In one
example, black ink is prepared including activated carbon particles
up to 10 microns in diameter, preferably up to 5 microns in
diameter, more preferably up to 2 microns in diameter, and even
more preferably up to 1 micron in diameter. Ink including activated
carbon particles can also be colored ink, such as those described
in U.S. Pat. No. 7,531,471 to Quincy, Ill., which is incorporated
herein by reference to the extent it does not conflict
herewith.
[0038] For the inks used in the examples below, the black ink
included activated carbon particles of approximately 1 micron in
diameter, whereas the blue ink included activated carbon particles
of approximately 5-10 microns to as much as 20 microns in diameter.
The smaller particle size resulted in an improved odor reduction
likely resulting from the increased available surface area of the
smaller activated carbon particles in the black ink. It is thought
that the binder in the ink forms micro-cracks as it dries, allowing
access of the odor to the majority of the activated carbon
particles. While a common binder would typically block adsorption
of odor by a majority of the activated carbon particles, the ink
binder used herein results in an activity loss of less than ten
percent as compared to the activated carbon particles
themselves.
[0039] Improved odor adsorption with the black ink can also result
from the amount of activated carbon particles in the ink. For
example, the blue ink's inclusion of larger activated carbon
particles up to 20 microns in diameter or larger resulted in fewer
activated carbon particles due to the need to prevent settling of
the particles, which is more of a challenge with larger
particles.
[0040] The use of activated carbon ink in absorbent articles is
described in further detail in U.S. Pat. No. 7,816,285 to MacDonald
et al. and in U.S. Pat. No. 7,655,829 to MacDonald et al., each of
which is incorporated herein by reference to the extent it does not
conflict herewith.
[0041] The composition of the present disclosure may include about
1% to about 5%, or about 1% to about 2.5%, or about 2.5% activated
carbon.
Silver (SILV) Composition
[0042] The silver nanoparticle composition is basically made with
silver nanoparticles mixed with either water (desirably distilled)
or solvent.
[0043] The silver nanoparticles are preferably SILVAGARD silver
nanoparticles available from AcryMed, Inc. of Beaverton, Oreg.
According to AcryMed, Inc., SILVAGARD silver nanoparticles are
formed chemically in a solution. The nanoparticles are uniform in
size (about 10 nm) and because of proprietary technology they do
not agglomerate to form large particles, but stay in suspension
pending application to other materials. After the SILVAGARD silver
nanoparticle solution is prepared, the substrate is contacted with
the solution by immersing, spraying, printing, or by any other
suitable application means. The amount of nanoparticle silver
actually deposited is controlled by adjusting the silver
concentration and the temperature of the solution as well as the
dwell time in contact with the solution.
[0044] Because of their size, the nanoparticles attach to the
surface being treated while the substrate is in contact with the
SILVAGARD silver nanoparticle solution. The attachment is very
uniform over the surface of the substrate. Once treated, the
substrate is removed and dried. The SILVAGARD silver nanoparticles
adhere tenaciously even on elastic substrates when they are
stretched or flexed.
[0045] The solution treatment process can be either aqueous or
solvent based, depending on the needs or characteristics of the
substrate to be treated. Each nanoparticle would theoretically
contain a small number (approximately 5,000) of silver atoms. The
outer layer of silver in each particle oxidizes upon exposure to
air or bodily fluid. This process forms a monolayer of Ag20 (silver
oxide) on the outside of the nanoparticle. The silver oxide then
slowly dissolves in the body fluid it encounters after the
substrate is applied. It dissolves to produce Ag+, ionic
silver.
[0046] It should be noted that the SILVAGARD silver nanoparticles
are applied to the substrate without the use of a binder. Silver
components in dry form made into a suspension with a binder and
applied to a substrate do not provide the same effect because the
surfaces of the silver components can be shielded by the binder. In
the present application, the combination of the binder-less
application of the SILVAGARD silver nanoparticles along with
non-agglomerative nature of the SILVAGARD silver nanoparticles
allows for the maximum surface area available to interact with
odor-causing agents. While the specific mechanisms of this
interaction can be multiple and complex, it is thought that the
odor-eliminating effectiveness of the SILVAGARD silver
nanoparticles is due in large part to the adsorption of
odor-causing agents.
[0047] The vast number of SILVAGARD silver nanoparticles on the
surface of the substrate provides a very large reservoir and
surface area of silver for continuous protection. It is this very
large surface area of silver that gives SILVAGARD silver
nanoparticles effectiveness at very low concentrations, very low
cytotoxicity, and long lasting, sustained release.
[0048] The composition may contain about 0.5% to about 3%, or about
0.5% to about 1.1%, or 1.1% silver nanoparticles.
Application of Composition
[0049] Referring now it FIG. 5, a composition 72 (either the PEG
composition, the activated carbon composition, or the silver
nanoparticle composition is applied to a suitable substrate, such
as a nonwoven substrate 70. Other suitable substrates include
spunbond, meltblown, coform, cellulose fluff, cellulose tissue, or
polyethylene film.
[0050] The nonwoven substrate 70 may be a bonded carded web (BCW),
or any other suitable nonwoven or other substrate described herein.
In a particular aspect, the BCW is made with two types of fibers; a
3 denier bicomponent fiber with a polyethylene sheath and a
polypropylene core and a 6 denier polyester fiber, with a ratio of
bicomponent fibers to polyester fibers of 3 to 1.
[0051] The composition 72 (either the PEG composition or the
activated carbon composition) can be applied to the nonwoven
substrate 70 using kiss-roll coating or other printing techniques,
spraying, or the like, followed by drying. The dried nonwoven
substrate 70 then includes composition 72 attached to the nonwoven
substrate fibers. Desirably, for each substrate, and the PEG
component is applied at an add-on level of 0.5 to 50%, or more
desirably, 1% to 40%; the activated carbon component is added at an
add-on level of 2.5% wt/wt. Application may be continuous covering
the entire surface of the substrate 70, or may partially cover
substrate 70, possibly forming a pattern. The silver nanoparticle
component is added at an add-on level of 1.1% wt/wt. Of course, it
covers the entire composite due to application by dipping or
spraying.
[0052] Personal Care Products
[0053] Personal care products having an odor control layer of
nonwoven substrate 70 may be in the form of diapers, training
pants, absorbent underpants, adult incontinence products, and
feminine hygiene products. The personal care products may have a
bodyside liner, outer cover and/or an absorbent core that includes
an odor control layer. Various personal care products are described
below.
Feminine Products
[0054] A nonwoven substrate 70 including the odor control feature
described herein can be included in feminine hygiene products as
mentioned above. These include, for example, the pad shown
partially cut away in FIG. 1. This pad 10 has a liquid impermeable
baffle or outer cover 12 on the side away from the wearer. The
baffle 12 is often made from a film like a polyethylene or
polypropylene film. The layer closest to the wearer is the liner 14
and is a liquid permeable layer that is preferably soft. Between
the baffle 12 and liner 14 there can be a number of layers for
different purposes, such as an absorbent core 16 designed to hold
the majority of any liquid discharge. Other optional layers include
a transfer delay layer or surge layer 17, and tissue or nonwoven
wrap sheets (not shown).
Incontinence Products
[0055] Disposable absorbent incontinence products are designed to
be removed and discarded after a single use. By single use it is
meant that the disposable absorbent incontinence product will be
disposed of after being used once instead of being laundered or
cleaned for reuse, as is typical of regular cloth underwear.
Examples of some commercially available disposable absorbent
incontinence products include diapers, training pants, pads,
pantiliners, fitted briefs, belted shields, guards for men,
protective underwear, and adjustable underwear.
[0056] Many of the disposable absorbent incontinence underwear are
similar in appearance, size, and shape to regular cloth underwear
except that they are formed from a variety of different materials
including absorbent and elastic materials. The absorbent materials
allow the disposable absorbent incontinence underwear to absorb and
retain body waste while the elastic material permits the disposable
absorbent incontinence underwear to snugly conform to the anatomy
of the wearer's torso.
[0057] Much of the disposable absorbent incontinence underwear sold
today has a unitary configuration that is similar to regular cloth
underwear in that the disposable absorbent incontinence underwear
is constructed with a waist opening and a pair of leg openings and
needs to be pulled onto the body like normal underwear. Another
aspect of unitary disposable absorbent underwear is disclosed in
U.S. Patent Publication No. 2004/0210205 A1 to Van Gompel et al.,
which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference thereto
to the extent it does not conflict herewith.
[0058] Other disposable absorbent incontinence underwear has an
open configuration. By an open configuration it is meant that the
disposable absorbent incontinence underwear does not have a waist
opening and a pair of leg openings before it is positioned about
the wearer's torso. Typically, disposable absorbent incontinence
underwear having an open configuration has a relatively flat or
convex shape before it is secured around the torso of the wearer.
Commonly, disposable absorbent incontinence underwear having an
open configuration has an approximately rectangular or hourglass
shape. Such products are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,500,316 to
Damico, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference
thereto to the extent it does not conflict herewith.
[0059] An adjustable undergarment, also sometimes referred to as
refastenable underwear, has a unitary configuration and can be
positioned onto the wearer's body similar to regular cloth
underwear. However, the adjustable undergarment has the ability to
be opened and then refastened into a closed position during
use.
[0060] As stated above, disposable absorbent incontinence products
are manufactured in a variety of shapes and configurations. Another
type of incontinence product is a guard for men, which resembles an
absorbent pad that can conform to the male genitalia, as described
in U.S. Pat. No. 5,558,659 to Sherrod et al., which is incorporated
herein in its entirety by reference thereto to the extent it does
not conflict herewith. A belted shield is still another type of a
disposable absorbent incontinence product that has an open
configuration and is held about the wearer's torso by a belt or a
pair of straps, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,386,595 to Kuen et
al. and U.S. Pat. No. 4,886,512 to Damico et al., which are
incorporated herein in their entirety by reference thereto to the
extent they do not conflict herewith.
[0061] Female incontinence consumers can use various incontinence
products similar to or as a variation of those described above,
including pads, pantiliners, fitted briefs, belted shields,
protective underwear and adjustable underwear.
[0062] Incontinence pads 30 as shown in FIG. 2 likewise have a
baffle or outer cover 32, an innermost liner 34, and various layers
in between, including the absorbent core 36. FIG. 3 illustrates an
incontinence product in cross-section where the section is taken
across the narrow part of the product. The liner 34 is at the top,
and a surge layer 35 is positioned below the liner 34. The surge
layer 35 acts as a reservoir to accept large surges of liquid and
slowly release them to the subsequent layers. Below the surge layer
35 is an absorbent core or pledget 36 surrounded by tissue wrap 37.
The absorbent core 36 can include superabsorbent particles that are
loose and very small and that can escape onto the body or clothing
unless contained. The tissue wrap 37 surrounds the absorbent core
36 and keeps the superabsorbent particles from leaving the
absorbent core 36. Under the tissue wrapped absorbent core 36 is a
fluff layer 38 and then the baffle 32. Many products also have an
adhesive strip 39 to help hold the product in place during use by
adhering it to the user's underclothes. More information concerning
incontinence products can be found, for example, in U.S. Pat. No.
6,921,393 to Tears et al., which is incorporated herein in its
entirety by reference thereto to the extent it does not conflict
herewith.
[0063] The liquid permeable liner 34 is designed to allow body
fluid, particularly urine, to quickly pass therethrough and be
received by the absorbent core 36. The bodyside liner 34 is placed
in contact with the genital area of a human body. The bodyside
liner 34 is capable of passing body fluid, voluntarily or
involuntarily expelled from the urethra, downward into the
absorbent core 36.
[0064] Pads typically have an approximately rectangular, hourglass,
or asymmetrical configuration having a thickness of about 2.5
centimeters (cm) or less. Desirably, the thickness of a pad is less
than about 1 cm. More desirably, the thickness of a pad is less
than about 0.7 cm. A pad can have a length of from between about 15
cm to about 50 cm and a width of from between about 2 cm to about
15 cm.
[0065] A pantiliner is another female incontinence product. By
pantiliner it is meant a thin absorbent product having an
approximately rectangular, hourglass or asymmetrical configuration
having a thickness of about 1 cm or less. Desirably, the thickness
of a pantiliner is less than about 0.9 cm. More desirably, the
thickness of a pantiliner is less than about 0.5 cm. A pantiliner
can have a length of from between about 15 cm to about 50 cm and a
width of from between about 2 cm to about 15 cm.
Absorbent Underpants
[0066] Absorbent underpants 50 as shown in FIG. 4 have a baffle 52,
a liner 54, and an absorbent core (not shown). Further discussion
regarding absorbent underpants can be found, for example, in U.S.
Pat. No. 6,240,569 to Van Gompel and in U.S. Pat. No. 6,367,089 to
Van Gompel, which are incorporated herein in their entirety by
reference thereto to the extent they do not conflict herewith.
[0067] The substrate including the odor elimination feature of the
present disclosure can be included in any of the personal care
products described above as an additional layer to those described,
or in the place of a layer described herein.
Application of Treated Substrates to Personal Care Articles
[0068] Regardless of the particular form of personal care article,
in one aspect the treated substrates are incorporated into a
personal care article in layers as seen in FIG. 9. Generally, the
layer(s) of treated substrates are located underneath the liner L
of the article A in a stacked configuration (if one layer, it is
treated with PEG; if two layers, they are treated separately with
PEG or (activated carbon or silver nanoparticles); if three layers,
they are treated separately with PEG, activated carbon or silver
nanoparticles).
[0069] Desirably, when three separate treatments are used, each
substrate is stacked in the following order, starting with the
liner: Liner L, PEG and/or PEG copolymer substrate P, activated
carbon substrate C, and silver nanoparticle substrate S. However,
any substrate order is acceptable. In addition, there may be more
than one layer of the same treatment. Desirably, the treated
substrate surfaces T only make contact with untreated substrate
surfaces U.
[0070] Desirably, the layer(s) of treated substrate are located
directly under the liner L, on top of an optional surge layer G. In
another aspect (not shown) the layer(s) of treated substrate are
located between the surge layer G and the absorbent core A. If
desired, surge material could be placed between the PEG and/or PEG
copolymer layer P and the activated carbon layer C, or between the
activated carbon layer C and the silver nanoparticle layer S.
[0071] In another aspect of the disclosure, a substrate is treated
with both PEG and activated carbon. Desirably, each chemistry is
printed or sprayed onto a substrate surface in a spaced apart
manner so that they do not blend prior to drying. Referring to FIG.
10, the PEG and/or PEG copolymer and activated carbon compositions
may be applied to the same side of the substrate in a pattern, or
opposite sides of the substrate (not shown), either in a pattern or
with continuous coverage. For example, separate formulations of PEG
and/or PEG copolymer, activated carbon and silver nanoparticles may
be applied to a nonwoven substrate 70. The PEG and/or PEG copolymer
component 73 may be applied to the nonwoven substrate 70 by
contacting the nonwoven substrate 70 with an aqueous liquid
formulation containing PEG and/or PEG copolymer followed by air
drying. The silver nanoparticle component 72 may be applied to the
nonwoven substrate 70 by contacting the nonwoven substrate 70 with
a non-aqueous liquid formulation containing silver nanoparticles
and heptane, or with an aqueous silver nanoparticle solution,
followed by air drying. The dried nonwoven substrate 70 then
includes silver nanoparticles attached to the nonwoven substrate
fibers. This silver treatment is the SILVAGARD silver nanoparticle
process described above. The activated carbon component 74 can be
applied to the nonwoven substrate 70 by printing or spraying an
activated carbon ink composition to zones of the nonwoven substrate
70. The nonwoven substrate 70 is then air dried. In one aspect, a
template or mask can be placed over the nonwoven substrate 70 prior
to spraying to allow the spray to produce the zones of a desired
chemistry.
[0072] The PEG component 73, activated carbon component 74 and the
silver component 72 can be applied to the same side of the nonwoven
substrate 70; or, the PEG component 73 and activated carbon
component 74 can be applied to one side of the nonwoven substrate
70, with the silver component 72 applied to the other side of the
nonwoven substrate 70; or, the activated carbon component 74 can be
applied to one side of the nonwoven substrate 70, with the silver
component 72 and the PEG component 73 and applied to the other side
of the nonwoven substrate 70. Each PEG component 73 and activated
carbon component 74 of the nonwoven substrate 70 can be separate
from each silver component 72 of the nonwoven substrate 70; or the
PEG component 73 and activated carbon component 74 can overlap the
silver component 72. Other configurations are possible. The PEG
component 73, the activated carbon component 74 and the silver
component 72 can form alternating stripes (see FIG. 10) or any
other shapes or patterns.
Urine Odor Reduction Kit
[0073] Human odor can be attributed to skin oils, sweat and
volatile compounds emanating from the skin surface. In turn, some
of these natural body processes can be affected by heredity,
environment, and daily lifestyle activities which allow an
individual to produce a characteristic odor. The biological
function of body odor production relies on the three types of
secretory glands in the human skin. Two of these are normally
called the "sweat glands" which are the eccrine and apocrine
glands, with the third being the sebaceous glands. The aqueous
portion of skin secretions originates mostly from the eccrine sweat
glands which consist of entirely water along with dilute salts. The
sebaceous glands are closely related with hair follicles and
continuously secrete oils, or sebum. Sebaceous glands are found
throughout the body, but have a higher concentration in the face
and scalp. The apocrine gland is located primarily in the axillary
and genital regions.
[0074] Characteristic human axillary odors consist of aldehydes
(e.g. decanal, nonanal and nonenal), C6 to C11 normal, branched and
unsaturated aliphatic acids, alcohol, carbonyls and some steroids
as major contributors to body odor malodor. A cleaning composition
of the present disclosure may be used to eliminate or reduce human
axillary odors.
[0075] The cleaning composition is made with an aqueous carrier,
and a PEG surfactant such as CETIOL HE, a preservative. A suitable
fragrance, one that does not react with actives, may be added, such
as one disclosed above. A colorant may be added for aesthetic
purposes. Odor removal is enhanced with the addition of activated
carbon and/or silver nanoparticles, as discussed herein.
[0076] Referring to FIG. 8, in one aspect of the disclosure is a
kit that includes a treated personal care product such as the
products described above (e.g. pant 100 or pad 102), and a cleaning
composition. Desirably, a user will use the cleaning composition to
cleanse intimate areas that come into contact with urine prior to
donning or applying the personal care product to the body.
[0077] The cleaning composition is a combination of PEG and/or PEG
copolymers and water. Desirably, it is 12% wt/wt PEG and/or PEG
copolymers by weight. It may further include activated carbon
and/or silver nanoparticles. The composition is dilute enough to
avoid reactions between the non-water components that would prevent
of hinder odor reduction.
[0078] The cleaning composition may be applied to the body as a
wipe 106, a wash 104, or with a spray 108. Thus, the cleaning
composition may be included in the kit bottled with spray cap or
non-spray cap, or it can be applied to a wipe substrate and
packaged in a water-proof material so evaporation cannot readily
occur.
[0079] Wipe substrates are typically nonwoven materials, such as
those used for KLEENEX wipes, manufactured by Kimberly-Clark
Corporation, US.
EXAMPLES
[0080] The combination of odor-eliminating components described
herein has been found to have a synergistic effect in eliminating
odors. The combination provides a significantly larger odor
reduction that can be achieved by either component alone.
Example Set 1
[0081] The procedure for testing the efficacy of PEG derivatives to
treat urine odors was as follows:
[0082] 1. Inject 200 mg of a PEG derivative (liquid or solid phase)
into a clean vial (flat bottom headspace crimp top glass vials, 20
ml 25.times.75 mm, available from Agilent Technologies, Inc., CO,
US)
[0083] 2. If the PEG derivative is in a solid phase, heat vial with
the solid PEG derivative to a temperature of 70.degree. C. for 1
hour. This will cause the PEG to transform to a liquid phase. Cool
the now liquefied PEG derivative for 3 hours so that it reaches
ambient temperature.
[0084] 3. Cap the vial containing the liquefied PEG derivative.
[0085] 4. Inject the vial with 1 microliter of isovaleraldehyde
using a microsyringe.
[0086] 5. Incubate the vial at 40.degree. C. for 10 min in an oven
(Agilent G1888 Headspace Sampler). Refer to the headspace
parameters of TABLE 1, for the oven settings.
[0087] 6. Remove an aliquot of the headspace (air inside the test
tube) and inject it into a gas chromatograph (e.g. Agilent 7890A,
available from Agilent Technologies, Inc.). Refer to the gas
chromatograph parameters of TABLE 1, for the gas chromatograph
settings.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Headspace Parameters Zone temperatures Oven
40 (.degree. C.) Event Time (min.) Gas Chromatograph cycle 10.0
time Equilibration Time 10.0 Inject time 0.30 GC Paramenters Oven
Oven temperature (.degree. C.) 70 Column used DB-624 Run Time
(min.) 10 Detector (FID) Inlet temp (.degree. C.) 105 Detect temp
(.degree. C.) 250 *Column DB-624: 30 m, 0.32 mm Inner Diameter
(ID), 1.8.mu. film. Catalog No. 123- 1334, s/n 157858 manufactured
by J&W Scientific, Inc. Folsom, CA.
[0088] 7. An empty standard test tube, the control, is tested to
define 0% odor removal.
[0089] 8. A test tube containing a sample is then tested by
removing an aliquot of headspace and injecting it into the gas
chromatograph. The peak area for the particular odorous gas
obtained from the sample is compared to the peak area from the
control. Comparison of the results are presented as "% odor
reduction" in TABLE 2.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 ODOR PEG REDUCTION % (n) Code Name avg std
dev std. err Control (Blank) 5 PEG 200 83.8 3.5 2.0 7.5 PEG 300
84.6 3.3 1.9 10 PEG 400 83.0 3.4 2.0 25 PEG 1000 55.1 9.5 5.5 40
PEG 2000 14.7 17.9 10.3 80 PEG 4000 15.8 17.1 9.9 40 PEG 40
stearate (~PEG 2000) 42.7 11.6 6.7 100 PEG 100 stearate (~PEG 5000)
36.0 13.4 7.7 4 BRIJ 30 89.3 2.2 1.3 7 CETIOL HE 86.7 2.4 1.4 9.5
TRITON X-100 83.2 2.9 1.7 20 TWEEN 20 83.5 3.5 2.0 20 TWEEN 60 65.1
7.5 4.3 0 Distilled water 36.7 12.8 7.4
[0090] The results from TABLE 2 are shown in the chart of FIG. 6.
The PEG or PEG copolymers having an n<=20 performed best to
reduce urine odors.
Example Set 2
[0091] POISE incontinence pads available from Kimberly-Clark Corp.
of Dallas, Tex. USA with the label "Moderate Absorbency" were
purchased from a local store for a urine odor ranking panel (ORP)
study. The surge layer (BCW) was removed from each pad to make
space to accommodate 0.9 osy BCW fabrics treated with the
compositions of the disclosure. Three pieces of BCW were inserted
into the pads where the original layer was removed. For the control
codes three layers of untreated BCW were placed into the pads. For
the treated codes each "treatment" was applied to separate BCW
layers and inserted into the pads as described in TABLE 3. For pads
with either one or two treatments, untreated BCW layers were also
inserted into the pads in order to ensure each pad had three BCW
layers. After inserting the BCW layers, the top liner was pulled
back into place and one staple was applied at the middle edge of
the pad to hold the contents in place.
[0092] Human urine was collected, pooled, filter sterilized, and
then inoculated with bacteria (Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiella
pnuemonae, E. faecalis, and E. coli). A fixed amount of urine (78
ml) was placed on each pad and the pad was incubated at 37.degree.
C. for four hours. Ten panelists were then exposed to each of the
seven codes and asked to rank them for overall odor. The urine odor
intensity ranking results are shown in TABLE 3, in which the
controls were the pad insulted with urine and the pad insulted with
water. Codes with rankings above the urine control were judged to
produce fewer odors. The CETIOL HE sample ranked first.
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 BCW Add-on level Sample ID (% wt/wt) Urine
Odor Intensity Ranking Control - Urine na 2.9 Control - Water na
6.2 PEG 300 14 3.2 Cetiol 1414 14 2.5 Cetiol HE 14 4.3
[0093] Without being bound by theory, there are three possible
mechanisms by which the PEG component of the composition reduce
aldehydes. In one theory, it is thought that hydrogen bonding to
the aldehyde may be induced by the --OH group of the PEG
surfactant. To verify this effect, odor efficacy was evaluated
using gas chromatography. The following chemicals were tested: five
types of PEG surfactants, (CETIOL HE, TRITON X-100.TM., TWEEN 20,
TWEEN 60 and BRIJ 30 (see Table 2)); 1 ionic surfactant (Sodium
laureth sulfate, SLS); and Glycerol. (Glycerol is not used as a
surfactant, but was tested because it can induce hydrogen bonding
with aldehydes.) To simulate urine odor reduction, ethyl mercaptan
and isovaleraldehyde were selected as the representative odor of
sulfur compounds and aldehydes. 2 .mu.L of each odorant and 100
.mu.L of each chemical were injected into a 25 mL gas chromatograph
test tube and capped for testing. The odor reduction efficacy is
listed in FIG. 7A. As expected, the PEG surfactants demonstrated
better aldehyde reduction than the ionic surfactant, SLS. It is
thought that the difference between the PEG surfactant and SLS may
be caused by the hydrogen bonding.
[0094] In yet another theory, exploration is based on the fact that
surfactants denaturize protein. Treatment with a surfactant can
lead to protein denaturation in the form of protein dissociation,
precipitation, and fragmentation. This denaturation may influence a
broad spectrum of proteins and enzymes. By denaturation of
proteins, one can expect a reduction of the odor formation, which
is mainly caused by bacteria and enzymes. See FIG. 7B
[0095] In another theory, the exploration is based on the fact that
surfactants modify surface tension and suppress evaporation of
water or other volatiles. Referring to FIG. 7C, glycerol
demonstrates lower efficacy than PEG surfactants in aldehyde
reduction. Considering the fact that glycerol also can interact
with aldehyde by hydrogen bonding, the difference between glycerol
and PEG surfactants may be due to the surface property that the
surfactant changed. In the reduction of ethyl mercaptan, all
surfactants including SLS showed better reduction than glycerol,
which may be explained as the suppression of evaporation by
surfactants.
Experimental Set 3
[0096] POISE incontinence pads available from Kimberly-Clark Corp.
of Dallas, Tex. USA with the label "Moderate Absorbency" were
purchased from a local store for a urine odor ranking panel (ORP)
study. The surge layer (BCW) was removed from each pad to make
space to accommodate 0.9 osy BCW fabrics treated with the
compositions of the disclosure. Three pieces of BCW were inserted
into the pads where the original layer was removed; separate BCW
layers were inserted into the pads as described in TABLE 4. For
Code 1, three layers of urine treated BCW were placed into the pads
(see urine description in Experimental Set 2). For Code 2, three
layers of untreated BCW were placed into the pads. For Code 3, one
layer of CETIOL HE treated BCW was placed over two untreated layers
of BCW. For Code 4, one layer of AC ink treated BCW was placed over
a SILVAGARD treated layer and an untreated layer of BCW. For Code
5, one layer of AC ink treated BCW was placed over a SILVAGARD
treated layer and a CETIOL HE layer of BCW. For Code 6, one layer
of AC ink treated BCW was placed over a CETIOL HE layer and an
untreated layer of BCW. After inserting the BCW layers into the
pad, the top liner was pulled back into place and one staple was
applied at the middle edge of the pad to hold the contents in
place.
[0097] In the PEG treated layer, CETIOL HE was diluted with
distilled water to make a 25% solution and applied to the BCW at an
add-on rate of 14% wt/wt (after air-drying) using a PREVAL Spray
gun (Coal City, Ill.) and air dried.
[0098] In the silver treated layer, silver was applied to the BCW
by soaking it in a liquid formulation containing SILVAGARD silver
nanoparticles and heptane, followed by air drying. The dried BCW
contained silver nanoparticles attached to the BCW fibers.
[0099] In the activated carbon treated layer, activated carbon was
applied to the BCW by spraying it with an activated carbon ink. The
ink is applied using a grill grate as a mask to form stripes on the
BCW. The zone-sprayed BCW was then air dried.
[0100] TABLE 4 shows the addition of CETIOL HE to other malodor
reducing technologies, such as activated carbon ink by itself or
activated carbon ink with SILVAGARD, results in boosting the urine
odor intensity reduction as scored by the panelists. The code with
active carbon, silver nanoparticles and CETIOL HE performed
best.
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Sample Layers Urine odor (Listed top
(body-facing) to Active BCW add-on intensity Code bottom
(garment-facing)) % wt/wt ranking 1 Control - Three urine- Na 2.2
treated 2 Control - Three water- Na 7.0 treated 3 CETIOL HE + +14
3.2 two untreated 4 AC ink + SILVAGARD + 8.3 solids (= 2.4 carbon)
4.1 one untreated 1.1 silver 5 AC Ink + SILVAGARD + 8.3 solids (=
2.4 carbon) 4.7 CETIOL HE 1.1 silver + 14 6 AC ink + CETIOL HE +
8.3 solids (= 3.0 one untreated 2.4 carbon) + 14
[0101] The combination of odor-eliminating components has been
found to have a synergistic effect in eliminating odors. The
combination provides a significantly larger odor reduction that can
be achieved by either component alone, even at higher
concentrations. If other forms of silver (e.g., silver/zeolite) or
even other forms of silver nanoparticles (e.g., silver nanoparticle
dispersion stabilized by a binder) are used, the synergistic effect
is largely absent.
Experimental Set 4
[0102] Described is a semi-quantitative analytical method for the
determination of the headspace concentration of gases in closed
containers using a DRAGER tube (Drager Safety Inc., Pittsburgh,
Pa.).
[0103] This method is an in vitro method effective for screening
and evaluating full products, usually prior to confirmation with
the other quantitative analytical methods or odor ranking panel
human perception studies. Though the gas chromatograph headspace
method, described herein, gives quantitative results, it cannot be
used to test full products because it has a limited sample holder
capacity of only 20 cc, not enough for a full product.
[0104] DRAGER tubes are glass vials filled with a chemical reagent
that reacts via a color change (e.g. to blue) with a specific
chemical or family of chemicals. DRAGER tube detection-limits are
typically above the human threshold, and tube types, i.e. the
number of chemicals that can be detected are limited. Detection and
accuracy is dependent on the chemical type. A known volume of
gaseous sample (1000 cc headspace air per stroke) is drawn through
the tube using the DRAGER ACCURO bellows pump. If the targeted
chemical(s) is present in the tested environment the tube changes
color. The extent of the color change indicates the measured
concentration in the headspace, typically in parts per million
(ppm).
[0105] In this test, 1 inch by 7 inch (1''.times.7'') strips of BCW
were spray coated (PREVAL spray gun) with undiluted CETIOL HE. The
strips were placed in the jars, as described above. The control
jars either had no sample in them or 1''.times.7'' strips of
untreated BCW. 40 .mu.l of acetaldehyde (Sigma-Aldrich Chemical
Co., Milwaukee Wis.) was injected into the jar via a septum in the
lid of the jar. The jars were allowed to stand for 40 minutes, at
ambient temperature, before measurement of the headspace
concentration using acetaldehyde DRAGER tubes. These tests were
conducted in duplicate.
[0106] The results of the DRAGER tube tests are shown in TABLE 5.
The treated BCW demonstrates a 50% reduction of acetaldehyde versus
the control. This shows that the CETIOL HE urine odor reduction
technology reduces the urine malodor by removing the aldehydes.
TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Acetaldehyde (40 .mu.L) Sample (Ppm) Control
Empty jar 100 Control - BCW untreated 100 CETIOL HE treated BCW
(14% wt/wt) 50
[0107] It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing
relates only to certain disclosed embodiments of the present
disclosure and that numerous modifications or alterations may be
made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the
disclosure as set forth in the appended claims.
* * * * *